Andrew Yang Urges State To Lift Rules Stifling Eateries Recovery From COVID
Andrew Yang campaigns for mayor in Jackson Heights, Queens.Lev Radin/Sipa USA
Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang wants the Big Apple to become the nightlife capital again.
Yang on Tuesday said the state government should lift overly restrictive rules that are blocking the reopening of bars and eateries — hindering the city’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
“Bars and restaurants have been through enough this past year, but even still, they continue to be hampered by nonsensical pandemic regulations,” Yang told The Post.
“We need to stop getting in the way of policies that would help tens of thousands of hospitality workers and owners, and lift our entire economy in the process.”
Outdoor diners enjoy lunch at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse NYC on Broad Street in the Financial District.
Samuel Rigelhaupt / Sipa USASamu
Yang wants the state to grant temporary liquor licenses to eateries and pubs in New York City, which is available everywhere else in the state.
He cited a report in last week’s Post that found under current law, new or revived restaurants and pubs outside of New York City can obtain a temporary liquor permit within 30 days, while the State Liquor Authority reviews an applicant’s request for full license — a process that could take anywhere from four to six months.
Diners eat outside at The Consulate restaurant.
James Keivom
Yet city establishments are not eligible for a temporary liquor license under state law. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed amending the law to allow temporary booze permits for city eateries and bars, but lawmakers refused to include the measure in the recently approved state budget.
Yang is going to the Mermaid Inn in the East Village — the restaurant featured in The Post — which is seeking to re-open but can’t immediately obtain a liquor permit under current law.
Yang also wants bars and restaurants to serve customers alcoholic beverages without having to order food, something that is barred under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s emergency executive order imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak.